Workspace Design Show: a closer look at the design talks

To cover the ever-changing world of workplace strategy and design, there will be four different talks programmes running through the show: The Workspace Design Talks, Sustainability Works, The Occupiers Forum – The View from HQ and The Finishes & Interiors Sector Conference.

The Workspace Design Talks will feature the latest trends, challenges and success stories in workplace design and strategy from our country’s leading architects, designers, developers and occupiers from the likes of Gensler, MCM, KKS Savills, Foster + Partners, Squire & Partners, Grimshaw, Lloyds Banking and more. One of the panel discussions, ‘Finding common ground: when hospitality, workplace and residential design collide’ will be chaired by Hotel Designs’ editor Hamish Kilburn, featuring Conran & Partners, Squire & Partners, and Jacobs.

Image credit: Gensler

In a series of talks, interviews and discussions, the Sustainability Works programme will bring together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives, projects and product developments. Curated by Mick Jordan and the Works editorial team, the latest thought leadership on sustainable design will come from the likes of Perkins&Will, M Moser Associates, BDP, Scott Brownrigg, BDG and tp bennett.

Workspace Design Show will also be hosting the Occupiers Forum – ‘The view from HQ’, providing the audience with the chance to listen to the Occupiers’ perspectives on the future of workplaces in these fast changing times. Among the speakers from occupiers are HMRC, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Oracle, Standard Chartered, BT, CBRE and Unilever.

Gensler, the worldwide integrated architecture, design, planning, and consulting firm will be designing the show entrance, with the theme ‘Destination Workplace Rebirth’. It’s about fresh perspectives to enable new ways of working and create unique and tailored destinations for people, hence the overarching theme of rebirth.

International furniture specialist, The Furniture Practice will curate this year’s Design Talks Lounge in collaboration with multidisciplinary studio Acrylicize. The main stage space will bring together key pieces from leading furniture manufacturers, including Moroso, Andreu World, Arper, Fredericia and Vitra, alongside an immersive installation celebrating material innovation within furniture and interiors.

WDS has a brand new addition, ‘Change by Design’, lounge space concept for the Workspace Design Show, carefully curated by BDP. It is a discussion piece surrounding the current climate crisis, and questions the impact of workplace design on the natural environment. It represents a problem-solving approach that showcases the use of recycled, reused and bio materials in design projects helping to shape a low-carbon future.

Image credit: Workspace Design Show

The WDS Party returns this year on the evening of February 27, taking place on the show floor, featuring a stunning bar designed by M Moser Associates. The REVIVAL designed by M Moser will be a place to inspire, restore and recharge the show visitors throughout the day. The concept for this bar is inspired by their mission to reduce waste and repurpose discarded materials. The goal is to give these items a new lease of life and spark curiosity and conversation. The space which aims to take you from a state of flux to stasis.

Leading fabrics brand, Kvadrat will be running the mood board contest this year. This opportunity offers all show visitors the chance to come along, be creative, inventive and design outside the box. All entries will be judged by some of the industries most experienced creatives, with incredible prizes to be won.

Hotel Designs is proud to return in 2023 as an official media partner for Workspace Design Show. Editor Hamish Kilburn will be on the main stage on February 27 at 15:20 to moderate a discussion on when workspace hospitality and residential design collide.

Main image credit: Quadrifoglio